The scenic Texas Hill Country has picturesque landscapes featuring rolling hills, scenic rivers, and rugged limestone cliffs. With a blend of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and tubing along the crystal-clear rivers, charming small towns, and historic charm, there are numerous reasons to consider living in Texas Hill Country.
If you’re considering buying a home in Texas, the median sale price is $369,900. But don’t worry if that number doesn’t fit your budget – we’re here to help.
At Redfin, we’ve rounded up a list of the 5 most affordable places to live in Texas Hill Country. These cities offer the best of Texas Hill Country, from big cities to small towns, without exceeding your budget. Check out which areas made the list.
1. Lampasas
Median home price: $230,000
Average sale price per square foot: $157
Median household income: $57,270
Lampasas, TX homes for sale
Lampasas, TX apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $230,000, Lampasas is first on our list of affordable places to live in the Texas Hill Country. This charming town is known for its historic places and beautiful parks, making it a great place to live for those seeking a peaceful and scenic environment. Home to about 7,700 people, you’ll have a small-town feel without the big-city prices.
2. San Antonio
Median home price: $269,000
Average sale price per square foot: $155
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,055
Median household income: $59,593
San Antonio, TX homes for sale
San Antonio, TX apartments for rent
A much larger city, with about 1,472,900 residents, San Antonio takes the second spot. This city offers a median home sale price of $269,000, making it an affordable option. San Antonio is rich in culture and history, with numerous popular attractions like The Alamo, the San Antonio Riverwalk, La Villita Historic Village, the Briscoe Western Art Museum, and plenty more hidden gems. There are countless places to explore and hidden gems to find while living in San Antonio.
3. Burnet
Median home price: $275,000
Average sale price per square foot: $209
Median household income: $77,376
Burnet, TX homes for sale
Burnet, TX apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $275,000, Burnet is the next affordable place to consider moving to in Texas Hill Country. Filled with small-town charm, Burnet is home to about 6,700 residents. This town is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, making it an ideal place for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
4. San Marcos
Median home price: $341,445
Average sale price per square foot: $189
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,161
Median household income: $47,394
San Marcos, TX homes for sale
San Marcos, TX apartments for rent
Part of the greater Austin area, San Marcos is the fourth most affordable place on our list. The median home sale price is $341,445, which is about 27K less than Texas’s average. San Marcos has a population of nearly 70,300, so you’ll be living in a mid-sized city. There are plenty of outdoor activities to explore, such as Purgatory Creek Natural Area, Rio Vista Park, and Spring Lake Natural Area. Make sure to check out the charming downtown with its unique architecture and local shops.
5. New Braunfels
Median home price: $386,000
Average sale price per square foot: $180
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,205
Median household income: $85,827
New Braunfels, TX homes for sale
New Braunfels, TX apartments for rent
About halfway between Austin and San Marcos is New Braunfels, the last area to make our list of affordable places to live in Texas Hill Country. While the median home sale price is slightly over Texas’ average, the median household income is more than the other areas on our list. Home to about 104,700 people, the city has a rich history and beautiful parks, making it an ideal place for those seeking that Texas charm.
Methodology: All cities must have over 6,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price around the average median list price in Texas. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during February 2024. Average rental data from Rent.com February 2024. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
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